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The USA produced many successful utility vehicles during the war, and their mass production was one of America's keys to success.
While many people like to focus on the more flashy and dramatic tanks of the war, none of these fighting vehicles would have been able to operate without logistical support. In fact, one of the key disadvantages of the German military was their inability to produce quantities of utility vehicles - meaning that much of their logistics were still handled by horses throughout the war.
By contrast, the Allies came fully equipped with scores of mostly American-built utility vehicles, including the very iconic Jeep. Both the British and Soviets leaned very heavily on the Americans to supply them with trucks and jeeps during the war. America's production of millions of logistical and utility vehicles is one of the unsung success stories of the war. Here are ten of the best utility American vehicles of WW2.
The Dodge WC series was a very mass-produced jeep nicknamed 'Beeps.' They were produced by Dodge/Fargo during the war, and they contributed nearly all the light 4WD trucks used by the American Army during WW2.
Dodge alone built 337 500 of these vehicles and The Dodge WC series were essentially built in two generations. They were also built in 1⁄4, 1⁄2, and 3⁄4 ton varieties and were one of the primary logistical workhorses of the American Army.
The Willys MB and the Ford GPW (more commonly known as the Jeep) were very successful during the war and a defining part of the American Army during the war. The jeep was the primary light-wheeled transport vehicle used by the US military, and it accounted for around a quarter of the noncombat American vehicles during the war.
President Eisenhower once remarked it was "one of three decisive weapons of the US had during WWII". Around 650,000 vehicles were produced many were used by foreign allied armies all around the world.
Related: This Is The Role Jeep Played In World War II
The GMC CCKW, also known as "Jimmy" was one of the most produced American military vehicles of WW2 with production of all variants topping half a million units.
The GMC CCKW supplied the backbone of the Allied armies' crucial supply lines as they pushed into northern France after the D-Day landings. Their main role was transporting cargo for the armies.
Another highly successful American WW2 military vehicle, the M3 half-track continued to be widely used during the Cold War. In total with its variants, around 53,000 were built. It saw some extensive modifications throughout its life.
The M3 saw service in the American Army and Marines branches as well as in the British and Soviet militaries.
This Amphibious Vehicle was used primarily by the United States Marine Corps in addition to the United States Navy. Proving a popular design, it also saw extensive service in the United States Army and America's allies like the Canadian and British militaries.
It was initially only intended to carry cargo, but eventually, it evolved into an assault troop and fire support vehicle. They were also known as "amtraks" and "alligators."
Soldiers often named this landing craft the "Papa Boat" or "Peter Boat" to tell it apart from other landing craft like the LCM (dubbed the "Mike Boat").
Over 20,000 were produced, and they were capable of transporting about a platoon of 36 men. It was extensively used for sea-borne invasions like D-Day and other such amphibious operations.
The M4 High-Speed Tractor used the M4 Sherman's tracks and drive sprockets. It was an artillery tractor used by the American Army in the later stages of the war.
5 811 M4 Tractors were built and most were designed to tow the 90 mm antiaircraft gun or the 8-inch howitzer.
Related: 25 Military Vehicles You Can Buy (But Probably Shouldn’t)
This mass-produced line of trucks had a top speed of 48 miles per hour and a load capacity of 1 1⁄2-tons. Most were standard cargo vehicles, but there were also many specialist body types as well.
Around 150,000 were produced by Chevrolet - meaning that Chevrolet produced the vast majority of the 167,373 4x4 11⁄2-ton trucks purchased by the US military.
Manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation and REO Motor Car Company, the Studebaker US6 was suitable for all terrain and all weather conditions. This made it well suited to Eastern Front conditions and most were exported to the Soviets under the Lend-Lease program.
Around 220 000 were produced over the course of its lifetime. The basic cargo version of the vehicle was capable of transporting a 5 000 lb cargo load cross-country.
Related: Lend-Lease – 15 American And British Military Vehicles That Fought In The Red Army During WWII
These humble workhorses servicing the logistical needs of the American Army could lumber along at 38 miles per hour and could transport up to 6 tons of cargo. This family of tactical heavy trucks was designed to cross all terrain in all weather conditions.
Around 220 000 were built by a variety of US companies from 1941 to 1945.
In conclusion, the USA produced a large array of the most successful utility vehicles of the war. Mass producing these quality utility vehicles was one of America's key strengths during the war.
Next: These Are The Freakiest Military Vehicles The Germans Used In WW2
Aaron is best known for his dad jokes and his tendency to hitchhike around the world. Hailing from New Zealand, you just never know where this wandering Kiwi will turn up (occasionally its actually New Zealand). While Aaron may have graduated in accounting, it soon became clear that a more outdoorsy and adventurous lifestyle is what would suit him. He has a flare for writing and has taught English around the world for years. A nerd, he is always interesting in researching different topics of interest including the past and the future history of English.